In a recent opinion piece, Matthew Hall, senior community advocacy director for Raise Your Hand Texas, highlighted the common ground between teachers, local elected officials, business and chamber of commerce leaders, and faith communities: “There is genuine concern about the Texas Legislature’s lack of financial commitment to our public schools, students, and teachers.”
Last year, the state posted a record $32 billion surplus, but lawmakers failed to pass an education budget that would have increased funding for schools. They voted against the increase because it was tied to a private school voucher program that opponents said would lead to further cuts to public schools.
Prime Minister Abbott has refused to consider increasing funding for public schools without a school voucher scheme.
As a result, school districts across the state are facing severe financial challenges, with some of the state’s largest districts announcing major cuts to address the massive deficits they face.
In his opinion piece, Hall emphasized the importance of public schools in preparing Texas’ future workforce, “the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.”
“There are great things happening in our public schools in this region that are worthy of state support and investment,” Hall wrote.
Hall points to several examples of innovation and excellence in local public schools.
Garland Independent School District received a Dallas County Economic Mobility Award for outstanding efforts to prepare economically disadvantaged students for life after graduation. In Arlington Independent School District, the Dan Depart CTE Center partners with local employers to emphasize vocational and technical education to prepare students for their future careers. In Fort Worth, IM Terrell STEM and Visual and Performing Arts Academy works with industry partners to provide work experience and opportunities for students to earn a certificate or associate degree before graduating from high school.
Texas currently has the lowest per-pupil funding in the country, about $4,000 less than the national average, and bringing Texas up to that average would require an additional $24 billion for its 5.5 million students.
“It’s time for Texas to live up to its constitutional responsibility to its public schools and students. And it’s time for parents, business leaders, local community advocates, teachers and students to remind the Texas Legislature of the importance of funding in public education. Let’s invest in our future,” Hall concluded.
